Iranian Students Rally at Tehran Universities in First Anti-Government Protests
Iranian Students Rally at Tehran Universities in First Anti-Government Protests
Thousands of students fill Tehran campuses as protests return, honoring those killed during last month’s crackdown and challenging authorities.
Tehran woke to renewed energy on its university campuses as the new semester began, with students at Sharif University of Technology leading anti-government demonstrations. Footage shows hundreds marching around the Tehran campus, chanting phrases that included a direct challenge to the regime, before scuffles erupted between student demonstrators and pro-government supporters.
A sit-in was also held at another Tehran university, and a separate rally was reported in the north-east, as student protesters sought to turn reopening into a public statement. The gatherings were framed by memorials for thousands of people killed in mass protests that were put down last month.
The developments come amid wider international tension: the United States has been increasing its military presence near Iran, and President Trump has floated a limited strike option. At the same time, U.S. and European officials were meeting in talks about Iran’s nuclear program, reporting some progress even as the administration warned that the coming days could reveal whether a broader deal would be reached or action would follow.
Footage from the opening days of the new semester shows protesters chanting widely heard slogans, including references to the country’s leadership. The demonstrations appeared largely peaceful in many moments, but the presence of rival supporters on the streets highlighted the fragility of a moment that could shape the semester and beyond.
